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Cowboy Caviar Recipe

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3.8 from 8 reviews

Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant and healthy American appetizer made by tossing black-eyed peas, corn, and a variety of fresh peppers in a zesty lime juice and olive oil dressing. This easy-to-make dish offers a refreshing, colorful, and nutritious option perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a light snack.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 215 oz. cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 115 oz. can sweet corn kernels, drained
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • ¼ cup purple onion, diced
  • 1 Tbsp. serrano pepper, finely diced
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

Dressing

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. lime juice
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine peas and veggies: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas, sweet corn kernels, chopped red bell pepper, diced purple onion, and finely diced serrano pepper until evenly distributed.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined, creating a bright and tangy dressing.
  3. Dress and mix: Pour the dressing over the black-eyed pea and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat every ingredient evenly with the dressing.
  4. Add cilantro and season: Fold in the coarsely chopped cilantro leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference.
  5. Chill before serving: Cover the cowboy caviar mixture and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Chilling helps the flavors meld together for a more vibrant taste.

Notes

  • Remove loose skins and any smashed black-eyed peas to improve the appearance and texture of the dish.
  • For a milder heat, substitute serrano pepper with fresh jalapeño pepper.
  • If cilantro is not preferred, it can be omitted without affecting the overall flavor too much.
  • Additional popular variations include adding diced roma tomatoes, avocado, minced garlic, or olives for extra flavor and texture.